tempts of this nature seemed to operate as provocatives to their melancholy... "Say, who can minister to a mind diseased--"Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow--"Raze out the written troubles of the brain--"And, with some sweet oblivious antidote, "Cleanse the stuff'd bosom of that perilous stuff, "Which weighs upon the heart?” SHAKESPEARE. "The unhappy mother had received such a shock to her reason, that she raved day and night on the fate of her unfortunate children: nature at last was overcome, and she expired, calling on the names of Palemon and Lavinia.---The wretched father has ever since been disconsolate. "He lives in a state of sullen and solitary grief---and no kind efforts of his friends can induce him to mingle with society. He never stirs out of the house but on a visit to the graves of his departed wife and children; and, bedewing the turf with his tears, devotes the rest of his time to melancholy retirement." The doctor now finished his story, and, looking upon his companion, observed the tear of sympathy start from his eye. The doctor considered this as an unquestionable evidence of the goodness of his heart---but, unwilling to throw too great a gloom on the conversation, exclaimed Come, sir, though I admire the instance you have shewn of commiseration for the unfortunate, we will not ponder on such melancholy scenes, which, however (you will excuse my freedom), afford an excellent lesson to persons of your time of life-to curb the impetuosity of youth, and to make a young man very choice of his company." Orlando Orlando thanked the doctor for this admonitory address-which he had no doubt he should feel the advantage of-in his future progress in life. The conversation now took a lively turn-and the doctor entertained his companion with a variety of anecdotes, which made the time pass very agreeably. The two friends travelled post all the way, each being anxious to arrive at his respective habitation. It was a pleasant, day to both, and the conversation that had passed not a little heightened their esteem for each other. Orlando, as he drew near to Bellgrove Castle, requested the doctor to alight, and refresh himself; but the latter politely declined, saying---“ He must make all haste to the vicarage--at which place he should be happy to see his friend, as soon as he chose to pay the visit." Orlando felt a dulness seize him when on the point of separation from his friend, to whom he had given every instance of respect, and also the strongest assurances of the happiness which a future correspondence would confer upon him. Our hero observing the doctor's impatience to reach the vicarage, would not occasion him delay, by taking the chaise out of the direct road---but, after an affectionate leave of him, alighted---and, while the doctor directed his way to his home, Orlando walked across the lawn to the castle. CHAP. CHAPTER II: ORLANDO RLANDO was received with the greatest joy by the family on his return home. His cousin Osmond, who was likewise come back, ushered him into the house with great cordiality, and appeared with an uncommon degree of cheerfulness in his countenance, while the baron and baroness welcomed him with heart-felt pleasure and satisfaction. My dear boy," cries the former, "I am inexpressibly happy to see you; I have had many unpleasant ideas upon my mind ever since your departure. "I would C 4 |